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3 Year-old Preschool Program

St. Bernadette Preschool's goals are to enhance the intellectual and social development of children, to build a positive self-image based on an awareness of self-worth, and to nurture the spiritual life and religious development of children.

Based on these objectives, the program will provide a full range of activities from those which systematically reach defined objectives, to those whose purpose is simply creative expression and free interaction with the environment. Child-initiated learning will augment teacher-directed activities.

Place

Preschoolers meet in Room 101 Anna’s Room of St. Bernadette School. Parents or caregivers are to walk the child/ren up to the classroom. On days that "separation" is difficult for your child, it is important that the parent say "good- bye" reassuring the child that you will be back at dismissal.

Eligibility

Children must be 3 years old by September 1. Class size is limited to sixteen students. Additional registrations are accepted and children will be admitted to the class when space is available during the year. Admittance will be in the order in which registrations are received.

Specialists

Parents are invited to share their occupation or a vocation with preschoolers. Social Studies concepts on this level center around community helpers. Police Officers, fire fighters, nurses, secretaries, sales clerks, etc. are valuable resources. Individuals with hobbies and special interests can also provide valuable learning experiences.

Parent Committees

Volunteers are needed who will plan with the teacher or arrange holiday parties. Parents may send a treat for a child's birthday. This should be pre-arranged with the teacher. Summer month birthdays will be celebrated on the date of the child's half birthday. To emphasize the familial aspect of a birthday celebration, parents are encouraged to spend the last hour of that particular session with the class. Parents who can offer services in any of the previous mentioned areas are asked to notify the teacher. Parents of preschoolers are invited to join the Parent-Teacher Guild of St. Bernadette School.

Parent-Teacher Communication

The teacher will request conferences as needed. A parent may send in a note at any time requesting a conference with the teacher. Parents may also call the school office any Tuesday or Thursday to arrange a parent conference. If a more immediate situation arises, you may call the office and leave a message with the Secretary and the teacher will return the call.

School Communication

Special notices, communications from the office, or general teacher communication will always be sent home in writing. Please be sure to check your child's school folder after each session.

Emergency Information

The emergency card must be completed and returned to school as soon as possible. Please note allergies since they are particularly relevant to school snacks. Also note any animal allergies. Attach an index card if necessary.

Emergency Closings

Announcements on television or radio pertaining to Gateway School District closings are always applicable to St. Bernadette Preschool. When there is an hour delay due to weather conditions the session will begin an hour later and end at the regular time. If the delay is for 2 hours, the class time will be from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. If school is cancelled there is no preschool.

Parent Observation

Parents are invited to observe children while school is in session. Arrangements must be made through the school office at least two days in advance.

Snacks

There will be a mid-class snack during each session. Children may bring a thermos of milk from home or purchase milk from school (30 cents per half-pint of white or chocolate) payable on a semester basis. Each parent will be asked to provide a snack for the entire class approximately four times during the year. A schedule of snack dates will be provided. Occasionally, snacks will be a product of the children's cooking experience for the day.

Personal Items

All clothing and indiviually owned items must be clearly marked with a child's name. When snacks are sent in a paper bag please mark the child's name on the bag. Each child should bring his or her own book bag. Children should not bring any toys from home unless requested to do so.

Transportation

Parents must provide transportation. The school will not assume responsibility for the transportation or safety of a child traveling to and from school. When bringing children to school, park in the upper lot and take your child to the classroom. At dismissal, drive to the front of the school and line up in the fire lane next to the curb. Do not leave your car unattended. Please caution children about moving vehicles in the parking area.

Under no circumstances will your child be permitted to leave the school with a driver that you have not designated on the transportation card. Send a note to the teacher if an undesignated person is to pick up your child on a particular day. In case of an emergency, please call the school office to give the name of the substitute driver.

Absences

A child does not need to present a written excuse upon returning to school after being absent. Following 2 days of absence, parents are to call the office so that the teacher may be informed of the reason for the absence. Any infectious or communicable disease should be called into the office as soon as it has been diagnosed.

Lateness

A child will not be marked tardy. Parents should minimize the stress and anxiety of lateness. However, please be considerate of both the children and teachers by making every effort to be on time.

Tuition

Tuition payments are due monthly. Checks should be made payable to St. Bernadette School and mailed or brought into the school office. At least half of your child's tuition must be paid by Christmas.

The cost is: $1,100/year

Every family is assessed a $250 Fundraising Fee which may be paid by participating in the Script/Gift Certificate Program. If a child is withdrawn from the class prior to the 15th of any month, the tuition for that month will be pro-rated and the succeeding months' paid tuition will be returned in full. If a child is withdrawn after the 15th of any month, there will be a full charge for that month and succeeding months' paid tuition will be returned in full.

There will be no tuition reduction for absence. If a child is registered and accepted, tuition is applicable regardless of patterns of attendance. Regular attendance is two half days weekly.

Withdrawal

Notice of a child's withdrawal must be communicated in writing to the Principal. Withdrawal is effective the date the official notice is received in the school office or an advance date indicated.

Calendar

Preschool will be held Tuesday & Thursday from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Students should arrive no earlier than 8:50 a.m.